CRANK

A mechanical contrivance for changing a revolving into an alternate motion. An iron axis is bent in some part of its length out of its rectilinear direction. As the axis turns the bent part describes the circumference of a circle, and gives a reciprocating motion to a piston or rod attached to it. Crank. (Germ, krank, sick.) In Nautical language, a ship is Gaid to be crank, when by the form of its construction, or by want of a sufficient quantity of ballast or cargo, or by being loaded too much above, it is incapable of carrying sail without being exposed to the danger of oversetting. [s. 311]